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Girls at the Center: Girls and Adults Learning Science Together
[Book Information Sheet/Order Form - PDF file]
View GAC Theme Units
Girls at the Center (G.A.C.) is a national
collaboration to encourage family involvement in girls'
science learning. The program, funded in part by the
National Science Foundation, provides opportunities for
girls and adult partners to investigate the world around
them through inquiry-based, hands-on science activities.
G.A.C. recognizes the need for girls to receive equity,
opportunity, and support in the world of science and
technology. Through partnerships between science museums and
Girl Scout Councils in thirty-one sites (and growing),
G.A.C. is reaching local communities nationwide.
Components of Girls at the Center
A Sneak Preview is a fun, hands-on introduction to
G.A.C. that engages participants in science discoveries that
build upon everyday experiences. This community-based event
serves to build enthusiasm for participation in G.A.C.,
promote upcoming events, and cultivate girl/adult
partnerships.
Discovery Days, held three times a year, are designed
to cultivate collaborative science learning and questioning
between the girl and her adult partner. Each event focuses
on a different theme (structures, energy, habitats,
communication, water, and sports) that is enriched by museum
and community resources. These fun and innovative programs
are held at the museum or at community-based facilities.
A girl will receive a G.A.C. Pack four times a year.
Each pack includes at-home activities for the girl and her
family designed to encourage active participation and
interest in the theme of the upcoming event, and to sustain
the partnership cultivated throughout G.A.C.
The Family ScienceFest is the culminating event of
the G.A.C. year with excitement for the whole family! The
girl's entire family is encouraged to share and celebrate in
her science learning experience at the Family ScienceFest.
It is a time for the girl to be placed "at the center" and
to be recognized for her accomplishments. It is also a time
for science to be showcased in a non-threatening, hands-on
environment. Families and friends interested in the program
are also encouraged to attend.
Goals of G.A.C.
- Build girls into confident, enthusiastic, and competent
science learners and decision-makers.
- Provide opportunities for girls and their families to do
hands-on, inquiry-based science at home, in their
communities, and in science museums and Girl Scouting.
- Develop family awareness and ways for adults to
promote, encourage, and support girls' math and science
learning.
- Provide older girls with opportunities for leadership
and achievement in science and math.
- Make science accessible to girls and their families in
underrepresented communities.
- Foster sustained participation in science by connecting
girls and their families to community-based science
resources, science museums, and Girl Scouting.
Each of the following GAC Packs is in PDF format:
Celebrate Science
Communication
Energy
Science and Nature
Sports | Los deportes
Structures
Water | El agua
For additional information, contact Dale McCreedy at:
The Franklin Institute
222 North 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Call: 215.448.1092
Fax: 215.448.1219
Email:
mccreedy@fi.edu
For more information, visit Girl Scouts USA.
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